Equestrian Surfaces - A Guide

This document has been produced by the Swedish Equestrian Federation’s reference group for riding surfaces. The reference group and its advisors include representatives of equestrian sport, riding schools and the Equestrian Federation, equine veterinary scientists from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and specialists with extensive practical experience of riding arena construction.

Traditionally, advice on the construction of riding arena surfaces have been based on experience and personal opinion, which can be subjective and lacking scientific rigour. In recent years this has changed, as research methods and equipment have been developed by scientists. This has allowed testing and analysis of riding surface properties, and their effects on the horse to be quantified.

While this scientific work is still ongoing, the aim of the guide is to share current scientific data that applies to equestrian surfaces, in combination with practical know-how from experienced arena specialists.

The FEI decided to finance a translation to English. The English version was reviewed by an international panel of leading biomechanics and equine surface researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom.

To download the document as pdf, click here.